Balloons are out, beachballs are in at Sterlingfest

City officials say a balloon launch that generated controversy in recent years during the kickoff to the city’s annual Sterlingfest celebration will not be returning this year.

Instead, the city has enlisted the talents of Air Margaritaville, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, to kick off Sterlingfest 2014 with a beach party July 24.

“Air Margaritaville is probably one of the bigger groups we’ve had during Music in the Park,” said Community Relations Director Steve Guitar. “They’re now moving to the opening night of Sterlingfest and, in keeping with the Jimmy Buffett theme, we thought it would be a great idea to have a beach party. So we’re going to have a beach ball toss to kick off the concert.”

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The beach ball toss will take the place of the balloon launch, which had been a tradition in Sterling Heights for more than 30 years.

The practice invited criticism the past few years from a vocal group who expressed environmental concerns.

“We were definitely sensitive to those that wanted a change from the balloon launch,” Guitar said. “But equally important is that there were just as many who wanted the balloon launch to continue. We just thought that with the group we had booked for this year’s event that it would be more appropriate to have a beach party, and we thought a beach ball toss would add to the excitement and family fun.”

In addition Air Margaritaville, the 2014 Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair will feature an eclectic blend of live entertainment on four stages. This year’s lineup includes:

In addition to the music, Sterlingfest 2014 will feature an arts and crafts show with more than 100 vendors, as well as the popular Restaurant Row.

“One of the best things about Sterlingfest is Restaurant Row,” Guitar said. “We have 12 local eateries that are joining us, and this year we have a few new ones - Abuelo’s and Jet’s Pizza - as well as the returning Dodge Park Coney Island. So we’re looking forward to a great time over at the food court.”

This year’s festival runs July 24-26.

“It’s a great hometown festival that’s safe and geared for families,” Guitar said. “It’s local, so you don’t have to drive all over the state to find something fun for the family. We have something for everyone, so we invite everyone to come out.”

For more information, including a complete entertainment lineup, visit sterlingfest.info or call City Hall at 586-446-2470.